Guide · sourced from our city data
Where drones need permits, and what happens when they cannot fly
Most commercial airspace in the United States is cleared through LAANC, the FAA's automated authorization, and it is filed as part of scheduling. A short list of markets needs more: a city permit for every takeoff, manual FAA authorization on zero-ceiling grids, or the special rules that surround Washington, D.C.
This page lists those markets from our city data, then every city where a sourced local rule governs takeoff and landing from parks or public property. Each item links to its source and to the city page that carries the rest of that city's rules.
The five flight-gate regimes
Controlled airspace here needs FAA authorization before launch; LAANC grants it in advance and it is filed as part of scheduling. Everywhere else on this list needs one of the four regimes below. Where a drone cannot fly, the work is done with water-fed poles and ground crews, the same hybrid method used on the Miramar Centre II project.
City permit for every takeoff and landing
New York City requires an NYPD/DOT permit for every drone takeoff and landing (38 RCNY Chapter 24), with at least 30 days' notice, a $150 fee, proof of insurance and Part 107 certification, community-board notice and posted signage. Drone flights are scheduled around that process and are never promised on a same-week basis. Work that cannot wait for a permit is done with water-fed poles and ground crews, the same hybrid method used on the Miramar Centre II project.
Washington Flight Restricted Zone
Inside the Washington Flight Restricted Zone drone flight is prohibited without specific FAA authorization, so drone work is not promised there; the survey marks which elevations are flyable and which are pole and ground work.
Washington Special Flight Rules Area
Inside the Washington Special Flight Rules Area every flight needs SFRA authorization on top of LAANC, and ceilings are often zero or 50 feet, so the survey confirms flyability address by address.
Manual FAA authorization (zero-ceiling or no-LAANC grids)
Parts of this market return a zero-foot LAANC ceiling or sit in Class B airspace without LAANC, so authorization is requested through FAA DroneZone and its lead time is built into the schedule.
City takeoff and landing rules
Flights stage from the client's own property with the owner's written consent; public parks and rights of way are not used as launch sites without a permit. Any sidewalk or lane closure is permitted with the city before the job and its lead time is part of the schedule. The rules below are why: each is sourced, and each city page carries the rest of that city's airspace, wash-water and permit facts.
Alabama
- Birmingham, AL
- Birmingham restricts drone operations over city-owned property, including parks and recreation areas such as Railroad Park and any area the police chief designates, so takeoff and landing stage from the client's own property or with city authorization. Source
- Huntsville, AL
- Huntsville applies a city-property drone restriction over its parks and recreational areas. Source
- Mobile, AL
- The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park prohibits all unmanned aerial systems over its property without prior approval from its Deputy Executive Director, so waterfront jobs near the causeway stage from the client's property with that boundary mapped. Source
Alaska
- Anchorage, AK
- Anchorage Municipal Code 25.70.060(B) bars drone operation in municipal parks except at Storck Park and the Loretta French Park RC airstrip in Chugiak, and requires operators to carry liability insurance. Source
Arizona
- Phoenix, AZ
- Arizona Revised Statutes 13-3729 preempts city drone ordinances and leaves cities only the power to regulate takeoff and landing in parks and preserves they own, so building work stages from the client's own property rather than a public park. Source
- Scottsdale, AZ
- Scottsdale prohibits drone takeoff and landing in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve under Ordinance 4276 and at Pinnacle Peak Park, WestWorld, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Mescal Park, Stonegate Park and its four aquatic centers. Source
- Tempe, AZ
- Tempe bans drone takeoff and landing in Tempe Beach Park, the Tempe section of Papago Park, Rio Salado Park and its city preserves, so lakefront building work stages from the client's own property. Source
- Operations near Tempe Town Lake call for coordination with City of Tempe Parks, and city policy restricts drone flights over the water and the lake parks. Source
- Chandler, AZ
- Arizona Revised Statutes 13-3729 preempts city drone ordinances and leaves cities only the power to regulate takeoff and landing in parks and preserves they own, so building work stages from the client's own property. Source
- Mesa, AZ
- Gilbert, AZ
- Arizona Revised Statutes 13-3729 preempts town drone ordinances and leaves local government only the power to regulate takeoff and landing in parks and preserves it owns. Source
- Flights are to be avoided over all Gilbert town parks and the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch without prior authorization. Source
- Glendale, AZ
- Arizona Revised Statutes 13-3729 preempts city drone ordinances and leaves cities only the power to regulate takeoff and landing in parks and preserves they own. Source
- Flagstaff, AZ
- Arizona Revised Statutes 13-3729 preempts city drone ordinances and leaves cities only the power to regulate takeoff and landing in parks and preserves they own. Source
Arkansas
- Little Rock, AR
- Little Rock has no broad civilian drone ordinance, but launching or landing from city parks and city-owned property needs the city's permission. Source
- Bentonville, AR
- Northwest Arkansas cities regulate drones through city-park and city-property conduct policies for launch and landing rather than airspace rules. Source
- Fayetteville, AR
- Northwest Arkansas cities regulate drones through city-park and city-property conduct policies for launch and landing rather than airspace rules. Source
- Rogers, AR
- Northwest Arkansas cities regulate drones through city-park and city-property conduct policies for launch and landing rather than airspace rules. Source
- North Little Rock, AR
- North Little Rock Parks and Recreation bars launching, landing or operating an unmanned aerial vehicle inside a city park without written permission, requested on an online or paper form; police, fire, emergency services and city employees on duty are exempt. Source
California
- Los Angeles, CA
- Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 63.44.B.8 bars landing, releasing, taking off or flying drones in Recreation and Parks areas unless the area is set aside for that use or the city authorizes it. Source
- San Francisco, CA
- San Francisco Park Code Section 3.09 prohibits launching or landing drones in any city park without Recreation and Park Department permission. Source
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area lands including Crissy Field, the Presidio, Ocean Beach, Baker Beach and Fort Funston ban drones without a National Park Service Special Use Permit, which matters for buildings that border them. Source
- San Diego, CA
- City of San Diego parks, including Balboa Park, and city beaches are closed to drone takeoff and landing without a special event permit. Source
- San Jose, CA
- San Jose city parks are closed to drone operations without a special event permit, and Guadalupe River Park requires written authorization. Source
- Sacramento, CA
- Sacramento County prohibits drones in most of the American River Parkway and requires a county parks permit for commercial shoots there, so riverfront jobs stage from the client's property. Source
- A 2018 Sacramento County ordinance prohibits drones in county parks except in designated areas or with the parks director's permission. Source
- Irvine, CA
- Irvine city parks, sports complexes and open space preserves are off limits for drone launches. Source
- Oakland, CA
- Oakland requires a city parks permit for any commercial drone operation in city-managed parks, and East Bay Regional Park District lands need their own permit. Source
- Long Beach, CA
- Long Beach city parks, beaches and harbors are restricted for drone operations without special permits. Source
Colorado
- Denver, CO
- Denver Parks and Recreation rules prohibit launching or operating drones in any Denver park unless the area is designated for that use or a permit or city contract authorizes it. Source
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Colorado Springs parks policy bans drones at Garden of the Gods and limits commercial filming in city parks to set morning and evening windows. Source
- Aurora, CO
- Aurora's city ordinance prohibits taking off or landing a drone on any park property without authorization from the Director of Parks, Recreation and Open Space, except in designated flying areas. Source
- Boulder, CO
- Boulder prohibits launching, landing or operating any unmanned motorized vehicle on Open Space and Mountain Parks land except for approved land-management, research, search-and-rescue and public-safety work. Source
- Lakewood, CO
- Lakewood bars launching, operating or landing drones on city facilities and parks outside three designated areas at East Reservoir, Hutchinson Park and Wright Street Park. Source
- Fort Collins, CO
- Fort Collins prohibits drones in its Natural Areas without a written special use permit and requires advance written authorization for flights in city parks. Source
Connecticut
- Stamford, CT
- Connecticut law bars any municipality from enacting or enforcing an ordinance regulating the ownership, use or operation of a commercial unmanned aircraft, though a town still controls takeoff and landing on property it owns. Source
- Hartford, CT
- Connecticut law bars any municipality from enacting or enforcing an ordinance regulating the ownership, use or operation of a commercial unmanned aircraft, though a town still controls takeoff and landing on property it owns. Source
- New Haven, CT
- Connecticut law bars any municipality from enacting or enforcing an ordinance regulating the ownership, use or operation of a commercial unmanned aircraft, though a town still controls takeoff and landing on property it owns. Source
- Norwalk, CT
- Connecticut law bars any municipality from enacting or enforcing an ordinance regulating the ownership, use or operation of a commercial unmanned aircraft, though a town still controls takeoff and landing on property it owns. Source
- Greenwich, CT
- Greenwich's municipal code prohibits possessing or operating a drone in any town park unless the Director authorizes it, so park land is not a staging option and work is set up on the client's own property. Source
- Connecticut law bars any municipality from enacting or enforcing an ordinance regulating the ownership, use or operation of a commercial unmanned aircraft, though a town still controls takeoff and landing on property it owns. Source
- Bridgeport, CT
- Connecticut law bars any municipality from enacting or enforcing an ordinance regulating the ownership, use or operation of a commercial unmanned aircraft, though a town still controls takeoff and landing on property it owns. Source
Delaware
- Newark, DE
- Delaware Code Title 11 section 1334 carves out higher education educational flights flown in compliance with FAA rules, which matters on the University of Delaware campus. Source
District of Columbia
- Washington, DC
- The National Park Service bans launching, landing and operating unmanned aircraft on the land and water it manages, which in Washington includes the National Mall and most of the city's monumental parkland. Source
Georgia
- Atlanta, GA
- Atlanta's parks department requires prior permission to launch or land at city parks such as Piedmont Park, and Centennial Olympic Park is state property with its own permit process. Source
- Sandy Springs, GA
- Georgia law makes unmanned aircraft regulation an exclusive state power, so a city cannot write its own flight rules, though a local government may restrict launching and landing on public property it owns or leases. Source
- Dunwoody, GA
- Georgia law makes unmanned aircraft regulation an exclusive state power, so Dunwoody cannot write its own flight rules, though a local government may restrict launching and landing on public property it owns. Source
- Savannah, GA
- Savannah's parks department treats an unpermitted launch from Forsyth Park or the historic squares as a code violation, although the city cannot bar flight over the squares, River Street or the historic district itself. Source
Hawaii
- Honolulu, HI
- Revised Ordinances of Honolulu 10-1.2 bars operating motorized model aircraft, drones included, in city parks without a Parks and Recreation permit, and commercial work is tied to Part 107 certification and valid aviation insurance. Source
- The state Division of State Parks prohibits the use, launching or landing of drones or other aircraft in any of Hawaii's state parks. Source
- Hilo, HI
- Kahului, HI
- Maui County Code 13.04.030(C) prohibits operating, taking off or landing any unmanned aircraft system in a county park except as authorized by federal law and with the written permission of the parks director. Source
Illinois
- Chicago, IL
- The Chicago Park District Code requires a permit to operate on park property, including the lakefront parks, Millennium Park and Grant Park. Source
- Naperville, IL
- Naperville Park District Ordinance 641 bars launching, taking off or landing a Part 107 drone on district property without a permit. Source
- The same ordinance bars flying within 50 horizontal feet of a playground, tennis court, aquatic facility, golf course or skate park, and directly over people or occupied space. Source
- Peoria, IL
- Peoria Park District parks, including the riverfront, require a Park District permit for drone operation. Source
Indiana
- Indianapolis, IN
- Indy Parks, the Indianapolis Department of Parks and Recreation, requires advance authorization for drone use on city park property. Source
- Indiana DNR rule 312 IAC 8-2-8(i) bars operating a motor driven airborne device on DNR property such as state parks, forests and reservoirs except at designated sites. Source
- Fort Wayne, IN
- Indiana DNR rule 312 IAC 8-2-8(i) bars operating a motor driven airborne device on DNR property such as state parks, forests and reservoirs except at designated sites. Source
- Carmel, IN
- Indiana DNR rule 312 IAC 8-2-8(i) bars operating a motor driven airborne device on DNR property such as state parks, forests and reservoirs except at designated sites. Source
- South Bend, IN
- Indiana DNR rule 312 IAC 8-2-8(i) bars operating a motor driven airborne device on DNR property such as state parks, forests and reservoirs except at designated sites. Source
- Evansville, IN
- Indiana DNR rule 312 IAC 8-2-8(i) bars operating a motor driven airborne device on DNR property such as state parks, forests and reservoirs except at designated sites. Source
- Bloomington, IN
- Indiana DNR rule 312 IAC 8-2-8(i) bars operating a motor driven airborne device on DNR property such as state parks, forests and reservoirs except at designated sites. Source
- West Lafayette, IN
- Muncie, IN
- Indiana DNR rule 312 IAC 8-2-8(i) bars operating a motor driven airborne device on DNR property such as state parks, forests and reservoirs except at designated sites. Source
Iowa
- Des Moines, IA
- Des Moines has no broad civilian drone ordinance on record, and park conduct rules govern takeoff and landing on city property. Source
- Cedar Rapids, IA
- Cedar Rapids uses park conduct rules rather than a standalone drone ordinance, so takeoff and landing are arranged on the client's own property. Source
- Iowa City, IA
- Iowa City applies park conduct rules to launch and landing rather than a standalone drone ordinance. Source
Kansas
- Wichita, KS
- Kansas Administrative Regulation 115-8-13 bans drone takeoff and landing on state parks and wildlife areas. Source
- Overland Park, KS
- Overland Park has no confirmed standalone civilian drone ordinance, so federal Part 107 rules and the property owner's permission govern commercial flights over a building here. Source
- Topeka, KS
- Kansas Administrative Regulation 115-8-13 bans drone takeoff and landing on state parks and wildlife areas, a Class C misdemeanor. Source
Kentucky
- Louisville, KY
- Louisville Metro Parks conduct rules govern drone takeoff and landing on park property. Source
- Lexington, KY
- The University of Kentucky keeps a separate drone policy for flights on or over its campus, and Lexington park conduct rules apply to launch and landing on park property. Source
Louisiana
- New Orleans, LA
- Louisiana has exclusive jurisdiction to regulate drones and preempts local drone ordinances, though a city or park district can still say whether you may launch, land or operate from property it owns. Source
- City Park New Orleans prohibits drone use within the park, with violations resulting in a revoked park pass, and the Audubon Nature Institute bars drones in the parks it owns. Source
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Louisiana has exclusive jurisdiction to regulate drones and preempts local drone ordinances, though a city or park district can still say whether you may launch, land or operate from property it owns. Source
- Shreveport, LA
- Louisiana has exclusive jurisdiction to regulate drones and preempts local drone ordinances, though a city or park district can still say whether you may launch, land or operate from property it owns. Source
- Lafayette, LA
- Louisiana has exclusive jurisdiction to regulate drones and preempts local drone ordinances, though a city or park district can still say whether you may launch, land or operate from property it owns. Source
- Metairie, LA
- Louisiana has exclusive jurisdiction to regulate drones and preempts local drone ordinances, though a city or park district can still say whether you may launch, land or operate from property it owns. Source
Maine
- Portland, ME
- Portland restricts launching and landing drones in its parks, with Deering Oaks and the Eastern Promenade among the locations commonly cited. Source
Maryland
- Baltimore, MD
- Baltimore still controls its own park land as the owner, and guidance for the city is to contact the Department of Recreation and Parks before operating there. Source
- Federal maritime security restrictions apply at the Port of Baltimore and Fort McHenry is a National Park Service site that requires a federal permit, so waterfront jobs are checked against both before scheduling. Source
- Rockville, MD
- Checking B4UFLY before a flight is the reliable way to see where the Washington Flight Restricted Zone and Special Flight Rules Area boundaries actually fall over a launch point in this part of Montgomery County. Source
- Bethesda, MD
- Checking B4UFLY before every flight is the reliable way to see where the Flight Restricted Zone and Special Flight Rules Area boundaries actually fall over a launch point, which matters building by building in Bethesda. Source
- Silver Spring, MD
- Checking B4UFLY before every flight is the reliable way to see where the Flight Restricted Zone and Special Flight Rules Area boundaries actually fall over a launch point, which changes building by building here. Source
- Annapolis, MD
- Maryland state regulation COMAR 04.05.01.08 bars launching, landing or retrieving a drone on state-owned property in Annapolis, including the State House grounds, without prior written approval. Source
Massachusetts
- Boston, MA
- Boston Parks and Recreation Department rules currently do not permit drone photography in Boston Common, the Public Garden or the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Source
- Cambridge, MA
- Cambridge requires permission for takeoff and landing on city park land, which is the lever a Massachusetts municipality still holds after Singer v. City of Newton removed local control of the airspace itself. Source
- Waltham, MA
- After Singer v. City of Newton a Massachusetts municipality cannot regulate the airspace, set its own altitude rules, require local registration or ban drone flight over the city, and controls only takeoff and landing on its own property. Source
- Worcester, MA
- The City of Worcester requires permits for commercial drone operations in city parks, arranged through the Parks and Recreation Department. Source
- Springfield, MA
- Massachusetts has no omnibus drone statute, and after Singer v. City of Newton a municipality cannot set its own altitude rules, require local registration or ban drone flight over the city; takeoff and landing on city property stays local. Source
- Somerville, MA
- After Singer v. City of Newton a Massachusetts municipality cannot regulate the airspace, set its own altitude rules, require local registration or ban drone flight over the city, and controls only takeoff and landing on its own property. Source
Michigan
- Detroit, MI
- Detroit's Recreation Department asks operators to get advance permission from the Director of Recreation before flying over city parks, which is why work is staged from the client's own property. Source
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Michigan preempts local drone ordinances, so Grand Rapids has no municipal rule of its own, though its parks department asks for permission before ground based filming on park property. Source
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Ann Arbor follows Michigan's state preemption and has no municipal drone ordinance, but the University of Michigan keeps its own institutional policy requiring advance approval for any flight on campus. Source
Minnesota
- Minneapolis, MN
- The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board prohibits taking off or landing on any property it owns and operates without a permit. Source
- MnDOT's index of local ordinances lists two Minneapolis rules, one covering photography and filming permits and one covering takeoffs, landings and special events. Source
- Saint Paul, MN
- Ramsey County Parks prohibits operating a drone within county parks without the prior approval of the Director. Source
- Bloomington, MN
- Duluth, MN
- State guides recommend calling Duluth Parks and Recreation ahead of any flight staged from city park property. Source
Mississippi
- Jackson, MS
- Mississippi bars a political subdivision from regulating the operation, airspace, altitude, flight paths or equipment of an uncrewed aircraft, so Jackson controls only launch and landing on city-owned property plus general nuisance and trespass rules. Source
- The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks prohibits operating aircraft on state park grounds without written permission from its executive director. Source
- Biloxi, MS
- Mississippi bars a political subdivision from regulating the operation, airspace, altitude, flight paths or equipment of an uncrewed aircraft, so Biloxi controls only launch and landing on city-owned property plus general nuisance and trespass rules. Source
- Gulfport, MS
- Mississippi bars a political subdivision from regulating the operation, airspace, altitude, flight paths or equipment of an uncrewed aircraft, so Gulfport controls only launch and landing on city-owned property plus general nuisance and trespass rules. Source
- Hattiesburg, MS
- Mississippi bars a political subdivision from regulating the operation, airspace, altitude, flight paths or equipment of an uncrewed aircraft, so Hattiesburg controls only launch and landing on city-owned property plus general nuisance and trespass rules. Source
- The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks prohibits operating aircraft on state park grounds without written permission from its executive director. Source
- Tupelo, MS
- Mississippi bars a political subdivision from regulating the operation, airspace, altitude, flight paths or equipment of an uncrewed aircraft, so Tupelo controls only launch and landing on city-owned property plus general nuisance and trespass rules. Source
Missouri
- Kansas City, MO
- Jackson County Ordinance 1447 requires a permit and proof of liability insurance to operate a drone on county park land, with operations confined to areas the parks director designates. Source
- St. Louis, MO
- St. Louis city parks require a Board of Public Service permit for drone operation, with a copy of the pilot license, the aircraft specifications and a certificate of insurance. Source
- City Ordinance 71813, effective March 2024, regulates commercial drone use in St. Louis, and St. Louis County limits recreational flight to a short list of designated county park locations. Source
- Gateway Arch National Park sits under National Park Service rules and needs an NPS permit, so downtown riverfront work is planned around that boundary. Source
- Clayton, MO
- Creve Coeur, MO
- Springfield, MO
- Springfield city parks require advance written authorization from the Springfield Parks Board before a drone operates there. Source
- Columbia, MO
- Columbia's municipal code prohibits drone operations in city parks except in designated areas or with a special permit from the director. Source
Montana
- Missoula, MT
- Missoula Municipal Code 12.40.065 requires written permission from the Parks and Recreation Director to operate a drone in a city park, trail or conservation land. Source
- Bozeman, MT
- Bozeman has no standalone civilian drone ordinance on record; flights are governed by the federal airspace rules, general park conduct rules and Montana statute. Source
Nebraska
- Omaha, NE
- Omaha Parks and Recreation does not allow a drone to take off or land in a city park or city right of way unless the aircraft is under 250 grams or the operator holds a permit, so commercial work stages from the client's property. Source
- Several of the metro's largest lakes, including Glenn Cunningham, Standing Bear and Zorinsky, sit on federal property where takeoff and landing of any aircraft is prohibited. Source
- The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission prohibits drone operation in state parks, state historical parks and state recreation areas. Source
- Lincoln, NE
- The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission prohibits drone operation in state parks, state historical parks and state recreation areas. Source
- Grand Island, NE
- The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission prohibits drone operation in state parks, state historical parks and state recreation areas. Source
- Kearney, NE
- The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission prohibits drone operation in state parks, state historical parks and state recreation areas. Source
Nevada
- Las Vegas, NV
- Las Vegas Municipal Code 13.58.030 prohibits launching or landing a drone on any public street, right-of-way or public parking lot, and 13.36.020 keeps drones out of city parks. Source
- Clark County updated its parks policy in November 2025 to allow drone operation at 28 county parks, up from roughly eight. Source
- Henderson, NV
- Clark County updated its parks policy in November 2025 to allow drone operation at 28 county parks, up from roughly eight, while Henderson keeps its own park rules. Source
- North Las Vegas, NV
- Clark County updated its parks policy in November 2025 to allow drone operation at 28 county parks, up from roughly eight. Source
New Hampshire
- Manchester, NH
- New Hampshire State Parks prohibit taking off or landing a drone within park boundaries, which covers parks, beaches and historic sites statewide. Source
- Most New Hampshire cities have not enacted standalone civilian drone ordinances, so the practical local constraint is a town's conduct rules for takeoff and landing on its own property. Source
- Nashua, NH
- New Hampshire State Parks prohibit taking off or landing a drone within park boundaries, which covers parks, beaches and historic sites statewide. Source
- Most New Hampshire cities have not enacted standalone civilian drone ordinances, so the practical local constraint is a town's conduct rules for takeoff and landing on its own property. Source
- Portsmouth, NH
- Class C, Class D and surface Class E airspace in New Hampshire require LAANC authorization before launch, and the Boston Class B shelf reaches far southern New Hampshire. Source
- New Hampshire State Parks prohibit taking off or landing a drone within park boundaries, which covers parks, beaches and historic sites statewide. Source
New Jersey
- Jersey City, NJ
- Jersey City parks require permits from the Department of Recreation, and Liberty State Park is state land needing separate NJDEP authorization. Source
- Liberty State Park asks for filming and commercial photography permit applications about 90 days before the date of use. Source
- New Jersey preempts county and municipal drone rules that are inconsistent with state law, but a public landowner may still set take off and landing rules on property it owns. Source
- Newark, NJ
- Newark city parks require permits from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, and Branch Brook Park is state managed and needs separate authorization. Source
- Princeton, NJ
- The New Jersey State Park Service prohibits operating, launching or landing a drone within all lands and waters it administers unless the Assistant Director specifically approves it. Source
- New Jersey preempts county and municipal drone rules that are inconsistent with state law, but a public landowner may still set take off and landing rules on property it owns. Source
- Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ
- The New Jersey State Park Service prohibits operating, launching or landing a drone within all lands and waters it administers unless the Assistant Director specifically approves it. Source
- New Jersey preempts county and municipal drone rules that are inconsistent with state law, but a public landowner may still set take off and landing rules on property it owns. Source
- Atlantic City, NJ
- Controlled airspace in New Jersey, Class B, C, D and surface E, requires LAANC authorization before launch, and the classification over a given address is confirmed on the FAA UAS Facility Maps and B4UFLY. Source
- The New Jersey State Park Service prohibits operating, launching or landing a drone within all lands and waters it administers unless the Assistant Director specifically approves it. Source
- New Brunswick, NJ
- The New Jersey State Park Service prohibits operating, launching or landing a drone within all lands and waters it administers unless the Assistant Director specifically approves it. Source
- New Jersey preempts county and municipal drone rules that are inconsistent with state law, but a public landowner may still set take off and landing rules on property it owns. Source
- Camden, NJ
- New Jersey preempts county and municipal drone rules that are inconsistent with state law, but a public landowner may still set take off and landing rules on property it owns. Source
- Hoboken, NJ
- New Jersey preempts county and municipal drone rules that are inconsistent with state law, but a public landowner may still set take off and landing rules on property it owns. Source
- The New Jersey State Park Service prohibits operating, launching or landing a drone within all lands and waters it administers unless the Assistant Director specifically approves it. Source
- Morristown, NJ
- Controlled airspace in New Jersey, Class B, C, D and surface E, requires LAANC authorization before launch, and the classification over a given address is confirmed on the FAA UAS Facility Maps and B4UFLY. Source
- Morristown National Historical Park is National Park Service land, where drones are banned. Source
- The New Jersey State Park Service prohibits operating, launching or landing a drone within all lands and waters it administers unless the Assistant Director specifically approves it. Source
New Mexico
- Albuquerque, NM
- Albuquerque has no broad civilian drone ordinance, and Parks and Recreation designates a model aircraft flying area at Arroyo del Oso with posted hours. Source
- Drones are prohibited at every National Park Service unit in New Mexico, a list that includes Petroglyph National Monument, Bandelier and Chaco. Source
- Santa Fe, NM
- New Mexico has no broad state law preempting local drone rules, so a city may control takeoff and landing on property it owns while the airspace itself stays federal. Source
- Rio Rancho, NM
- Drones are prohibited at every National Park Service unit in New Mexico, a list that includes Petroglyph National Monument, Bandelier and Chaco. Source
New York
- Manhattan, NY
- New York City Administrative Code 10-126 makes it unlawful to take off or land an aircraft anywhere in the city except at a place of landing designated by the Department of Transportation or the Port Authority. Source
- A permit is required to take off or land an unmanned aircraft anywhere in New York City under 38 RCNY 24-02, with narrow exceptions for sites designated by the Parks Department. Source
- Brooklyn, NY
- New York City Administrative Code 10-126 makes it unlawful to take off or land an aircraft anywhere in the city except at a place of landing designated by the Department of Transportation or the Port Authority. Source
- A permit is required to take off or land an unmanned aircraft anywhere in New York City under 38 RCNY 24-02, with narrow exceptions for sites designated by the Parks Department. Source
- Queens, NY
- New York City Administrative Code 10-126 makes it unlawful to take off or land an aircraft anywhere in the city except at a place of landing designated by the Department of Transportation or the Port Authority. Source
- A permit is required to take off or land an unmanned aircraft anywhere in New York City under 38 RCNY 24-02, with narrow exceptions for sites designated by the Parks Department. Source
- Buffalo, NY
- The Bronx, NY
- New York City Administrative Code 10-126 makes it unlawful to take off or land an aircraft anywhere in the city except at a place of landing designated by the Department of Transportation or the Port Authority. Source
- A permit is required to take off or land an unmanned aircraft anywhere in New York City under 38 RCNY 24-02, with narrow exceptions for sites designated by the Parks Department. Source
- Rochester, NY
- Albany, NY
- Flying a drone in an Albany city park requires a permit from the Albany Department of Recreation. Source
- White Plains, NY
- New York State Parks allow drone launch, landing and operation on state park and historic site property only with prior written approval from the agency through a permit. Source
- Syracuse, NY
North Carolina
- Charlotte, NC
- All Charlotte city parks require written approval from Parks and Recreation before a drone flight. Source
- North Carolina General Statute 15A-300.2 requires the property owner's consent before a drone is launched or recovered from private property, so the staging point needs written permission too. Source
- Raleigh, NC
- Durham, NC
- Durham city parks are closed to drone flights without prior authorization, and the Duke University campus is an enforced no-fly area. Source
- Greensboro, NC
- All Greensboro city parks carry an administrative prohibition on drone flights and require advance authorization from Parks and Recreation. Source
- Winston-Salem, NC
- Winston-Salem city parks are closed to drone flights without prior written authorization from Recreation and Parks, and Wake Forest University has a campus no-fly policy. Source
- Cary, NC
- North Carolina requires consent before a drone is launched or recovered from private property and carries a mandatory fine for launching without it. Source
- Wilmington, NC
- The Wilmington parks division regulates drone use on city property, and National Park Service restrictions apply on the nearby coastal federal land. Source
- Asheville, NC
- The Blue Ridge Parkway bans drone launches along its full 469 mile length without a National Park Service special use permit, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park does the same. Source
- Chapel Hill, NC
- North Carolina bars launching or recovering a drone from state property, which includes university campuses, and from private property without the owner's consent. Source
North Dakota
- Fargo, ND
- Very few North Dakota cities have adopted a standalone civilian drone ordinance, and a local rule can reach takeoff and landing on city owned property rather than the airspace itself. Source
- Grand Forks, ND
- Very few North Dakota cities have adopted a standalone civilian drone ordinance, and a local rule can reach takeoff and landing on city owned property rather than the airspace itself. Source
Ohio
- Columbus, OH
- Columbus city parks require advance authorization from the Parks Department before a drone flight, and the John Glenn Columbus International ring is cleared through LAANC. Source
- Ohio Stadium carries an FAA temporary flight restriction during Ohio State home football games, and the university campus requires separate authorization under its own UAS policy. Source
- Cleveland, OH
- Cleveland Metroparks reservations require advance authorization for drone flights, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park prohibits them outright. Source
- Cincinnati, OH
- Cincinnati Parks and the Hamilton County Park District each require advance authorization before a drone flight on their property, and LAANC covers the Lunken and CVG rings. Source
- Dayton, OH
- Five Rivers MetroParks require written authorization and Dayton city parks require a Recreation department permit before a drone flight. Source
- Akron, OH
- Metro Parks Serving Summit County requires written authorization for drone flights, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park prohibits them entirely under National Park Service rules. Source
Oklahoma
- Oklahoma City, OK
- National Park Service Policy Memorandum 14-05 prohibits drone launch, landing and operation at the Oklahoma City National Memorial. Source
- Edmond, OK
- Oklahoma law prohibits intentionally landing a drone on private property without the owner's or lessee's consent. Source
Oregon
- Portland, OR
- Eugene, OR
- Eugene prohibits flying a drone in city parks except in places designated by the parks director, under the Oregon statute that lets a local government regulate takeoff and landing in parks it owns. Source
- Salem, OR
- Salem city parks require an advance permit from the Parks and Recreation Division, and no separate citywide drone ordinance beyond state and federal rules was identified. Source
- Bend, OR
- Bend Park and Recreation District allows remote controlled devices in most parks but bans them at Riley Ranch Nature Reserve and Shevlin Park, and requires a film permit for commercial film use. Source
Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Parks and Recreation requires a permit for any flight from city park property, and the Pennsylvania DCNR prohibits flying in state parks outside a short list of designated sites. Source
- Pennsylvania Act 78 bars counties, cities, boroughs and townships from regulating drone ownership or operation, leaving a city able to control only takeoff and landing as a use of property it owns. Source
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Pittsburgh city parks carry an administrative prohibition on drone operations without prior approval, and Allegheny County parks require authorization before a flight. Source
- Pennsylvania Act 78 bars municipalities from regulating drone ownership or operation, so a city may regulate only takeoff and landing as a use of property it owns. Source
- Allentown, PA
- Pennsylvania Act 78 bars municipalities from regulating drone ownership or operation, so a city may regulate only takeoff and landing as a use of property it owns, and the DCNR restricts flying in state parks. Source
- Harrisburg, PA
- Pennsylvania Act 78 bars municipalities from regulating drone ownership or operation, so a city may regulate only takeoff and landing as a use of property it owns, and the DCNR restricts flying in state parks. Source
- Erie, PA
- Pennsylvania Act 78 bars municipalities from regulating drone ownership or operation, so a city may regulate only takeoff and landing as a use of property it owns, and the DCNR restricts flying in state parks. Source
- Bethlehem, PA
- Pennsylvania Act 78 bars municipalities from regulating drone ownership or operation, so a city may regulate only takeoff and landing as a use of property it owns, and the DCNR restricts flying in state parks. Source
- Scranton, PA
- Pennsylvania Act 78 bars municipalities from regulating drone ownership or operation, so a city may regulate only takeoff and landing as a use of property it owns, and the DCNR restricts flying in state parks. Source
- Lancaster, PA
- Pennsylvania Act 78 bars municipalities from regulating drone ownership or operation, so a city may regulate only takeoff and landing as a use of property it owns, and the DCNR restricts flying in state parks. Source
Rhode Island
- Providence, RI
- Rhode Island DEM rules at 250-RICR-100-00-7 require official written permission before a drone is operated on, over or from a public reservation such as a state park or beach. Source
- Warwick, RI
- Rhode Island DEM rules at 250-RICR-100-00-7 require official written permission before a drone is operated on, over or from a public reservation such as a state park or beach. Source
- Newport, RI
- Rhode Island DEM rules at 250-RICR-100-00-7 require official written permission before a drone is operated on, over or from a public reservation such as a state park or beach. Source
South Carolina
- Charleston, SC
- Charleston's city code Chapter 22 Section 5 prohibits remote controlled aircraft in parks and playgrounds. Source
- The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission bars launching in all county park areas unless a permit is granted for a designated area, which covers James Island County Park and Folly Beach County Park. Source
- Columbia, SC
- Columbia city parks require a permit from Parks and Recreation, and flights on the University of South Carolina campus need authorization from facilities. Source
- Greenville, SC
- Myrtle Beach, SC
- Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park prohibit operations without a special use permit, and private resort beach properties require written permission from the owner or resort management. Source
- North Charleston, SC
- The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission bars launching in all county park areas unless a permit is granted for a designated area, which covers Wannamaker County Park in North Charleston. Source
South Dakota
- Rapid City, SD
- The National Park Service bars drone launch, landing and operation at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument and Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. Source
- Brookings, SD
- SDCL 50-15-6 makes landing a drone on another person's property without consent an offense, so written property owner permission is settled before work begins. Source
Tennessee
- Nashville, TN
- Metro Code 13.24.400 permits drone flight only in designated areas of Warner Park, Peeler Park and Cane Ridge Park and requires a permit there. Source
- Memphis, TN
- Shelby Farms Park allows recreational drones of 250 grams or less inside a designated drone zone under permit, with no flights over guests, pets or vehicles, so commercial work stages from the client's property. Source
- Flights in Class B, C, D and surface Class E airspace in Tennessee require LAANC authorization before launch. Source
- Knoxville, TN
- Knoxville has no comprehensive drone-in-parks ordinance, so airspace authorization and property owner permission govern where a commercial flight can launch. Source
- Chattanooga, TN
- Chattanooga regulates aviation under Chapter 8 of its Code of Ordinances and has published no standalone drone-in-parks ordinance, so airspace authorization and owner permission govern each launch site. Source
- Flights in Class B, C, D and surface Class E airspace in Tennessee require LAANC authorization before launch. Source
- Franklin, TN
- Flights in Class B, C, D and surface Class E airspace in Tennessee require LAANC authorization before launch. Source
- Brentwood, TN
- Flights in Class B, C, D and surface Class E airspace in Tennessee require LAANC authorization before launch. Source
- Murfreesboro, TN
- Flights in Class B, C, D and surface Class E airspace in Tennessee require LAANC authorization before launch. Source
Texas
- Houston, TX
- Houston bars drone takeoff and landing in city parks such as Hermann Park, Discovery Green, Buffalo Bayou Park and Memorial Park without a Parks and Recreation Department permit. Source
- Austin, TX
- Austin Parks and Recreation does not allow drone launch or landing from city park ground without prior approval. Source
- San Antonio, TX
- San Antonio does not allow drone launch or landing in city parks or along the River Walk without a Parks and Recreation permit. Source
- Fort Worth, TX
- Fort Worth restricts drone operation in city parks without authorization from the Parks and Recreation Department. Source
Utah
- Lehi, UT
- Utah preempts local drone regulation, so Lehi may not enact its own ordinance governing private drone use, and property owner permission still governs takeoff and landing. Source
- Ogden, UT
- Utah drone guidance states that Class B airspace at Salt Lake City International, Class D at Provo Municipal and surface Class E all require LAANC authorization before launch. Source
- St. George, UT
- Utah preempts local drone regulation, so St. George may not enact its own ordinance governing private drone use, and property owner permission still governs takeoff and landing. Source
Vermont
- Burlington, VT
- Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront states that it does not issue permits for flying drones, and that most of its parks sit in controlled airspace needing LAANC authorization or an FAA approved fixed flying site, with Starr Farm Park the exception. Source
Virginia
- Arlington, VA
- Virginia Code 15.2-926.3 reserves unmanned aircraft regulation to the state, and a locality may regulate only takeoff and landing on property it owns, under rules approved by the Virginia Department of Aviation. Source
- Tysons, VA
- Virginia Code 15.2-926.3 reserves unmanned aircraft regulation to the state, and a locality may regulate only takeoff and landing on property it owns, under rules approved by the Virginia Department of Aviation. Source
- Richmond, VA
- Richmond has not adopted a broad civilian drone ordinance, but authorization is needed for takeoff and landing on city park property, city government buildings and city managed historic landmarks. Source
- Virginia Code 15.2-926.3 reserves unmanned aircraft regulation to the state, and a locality may regulate only takeoff and landing on property it owns, under rules approved by the Virginia Department of Aviation. Source
- Reston, VA
- Virginia Code 15.2-926.3 reserves unmanned aircraft regulation to the state, and a locality may regulate only takeoff and landing on property it owns, under rules approved by the Virginia Department of Aviation. Source
- Alexandria, VA
- Virginia Code 15.2-926.3 reserves unmanned aircraft regulation to the state, and a locality may regulate only takeoff and landing on property it owns, under rules approved by the Virginia Department of Aviation. Source
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Virginia Code 15.2-926.3 reserves unmanned aircraft regulation to the state, and a locality may regulate only takeoff and landing on property it owns, under rules approved by the Virginia Department of Aviation. Source
- Norfolk, VA
- A Norfolk ordinance requiring permits for takeoff and landing on city property and banning operations at named sites was still only proposed as of the source checked, with a council memo of May 9, 2025 setting a June 9, 2025 vote. Source
- Virginia Code 15.2-926.3 reserves unmanned aircraft regulation to the state, and a locality may regulate only takeoff and landing on property it owns, under rules approved by the Virginia Department of Aviation. Source
- Roanoke, VA
- Virginia Code 15.2-926.3 reserves unmanned aircraft regulation to the state, and a locality may regulate only takeoff and landing on property it owns, under rules approved by the Virginia Department of Aviation. Source
- Charlottesville, VA
- Virginia Code 15.2-926.3 reserves unmanned aircraft regulation to the state, and a locality may regulate only takeoff and landing on property it owns, under rules approved by the Virginia Department of Aviation. Source
Washington
- Seattle, WA
- Seattle Municipal Code 18.12.265 prohibits drone operation in every city park with no recreational exception. Source
- Bellevue, WA
- Bellevue's city parks policy prohibits drones across the park system. Source
- Spokane, WA
- Spokane changed its park rules in May 2024 to allow drones in city parks under Spokane Municipal Code 12.06A.040, provided they are not operated in a manner dangerous to persons or property. Source
- Spokane County parks do not allow takeoff or landing, although the federally regulated airspace above them stays open. Source
- Tacoma, WA
- Metro Parks Tacoma Ordinance 28615 prohibits drone use in all parks, and prior permission from the Parks Director is the only exception. Source
- Redmond, WA
- King County's Marymoor Park Airfield and 60 Acres Park in Redmond are established drone and model aircraft sites, while Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma close their own city parks to drones. Source
- Olympia, WA
- Operating a drone on the Washington State Capitol Campus in Olympia is prohibited under WAC 200-250-030, with exceptions only for law enforcement, emergency response, national defense and work pre-approved by the Department of Enterprise Services. Source
West Virginia
- Morgantown, WV
- Under West Virginia Code 20-5-2 flights in state parks, forests and rail trails are allowed only after registering at the area superintendent's office. Source
- Huntington, WV
- Harris Riverfront Park along the Ohio River is where local takeoff and landing conduct rules come into play in Huntington. Source
Wisconsin
- Milwaukee, WI
- Milwaukee County Parks, which operates most park land inside the city, requires drone use to be approved through its Special Events Office. Source
- Madison, WI
- Madison allows drones in city parks under ordinance MGO 25.18 unless a park is posted otherwise, and pilots still have to meet FAA licensing rules. Source
- The University of Wisconsin-Madison prohibits unauthorized drone operations on campus and requires prior written permission from Facilities Planning and Management. Source
- Wauwatosa, WI
- Milwaukee County Parks, which operates park land inside the city, requires drone use to be approved through its Special Events Office before a flight. Source
Questions
Do I need to arrange the permit or authorization?
No. Airspace authorization, city takeoff permits and any right-of-way closure are prepared and filed as part of the job. What the building supplies is access, a launch point on its own property and the owner's written consent.
What if the drone cannot fly at my building?
The work is done with water-fed poles and ground crews, the same hybrid method used on the Miramar Centre II project. The survey marks which elevations are drone work and which are pole and ground work before the price is fixed.
Can you fly this week in New York City?
No, and nobody can lawfully promise that. New York City requires an NYPD/DOT permit for every drone takeoff and landing with at least 30 days' notice, so drone flights there are scheduled around the permit and urgent work is done from the ground.
Related: cities with facade inspection ordinances and the states directory.
What we clean
Our core services
- Facade & building cleaningStucco, EIFS, painted concrete, glass and metal panel, cleaned from the air.
- Roof cleaningSoft-wash for tile, metal, shingle and flat roofs with no foot traffic.
- Window cleaningPure-water drone glass cleaning for high-rise and commercial buildings.
- Parking garage cleaningDecks, drive lanes, walls and stairwells at a flat per-square-foot rate.
Get a free site survey, permits included
Tell us the building. We check the airspace and the city rules at the survey and send a fixed price.